Orlando, FL in July

I will be spending July here in Orlando. Just because I’m staying home doesn’t mean I won’t be busy! From July 7-18 I will be taking a seminary class called God/Bible/Holy Spirit. You might remember that I took a seminary class back in January as well. These classes are an opportunity for Campus Crusade staff to continue to grow and develop through the study of theology.

I will be taking this class on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. This campus has special meaning for me as I spent 5 weeks there in June 2004 when I joined staff with Campus Crusade. I’m excited for this small break in my normal routine.

Crash-A-Rama

A few weeks ago, my friends and I made our way to Bithlo, FL which is just east of Orlando. There's not much happening in Bithlo...except Crash-A-Rama! Crash-A-Rama is the red-neck's version of Nascar. It's filled with crazy races and more importantly, crashes! Watch the video's and check out the pictures below.

Crash-A-Rama is famous for the School Bus Figure 8 race. It's basically self explanatory...people race school buses on a figure 8 course. As you can imagine, the middle of the course is the epicenter for crashes. The school buses are cleaned out and painted with wild designs. It's an event unlike any other I've been to.

Minneapolis, MN in June

In June I went up to Minneapolis, MN to meet with two other Regional Finance Professionals—Shari from the Upper Midwest and John from the Great Lakes.

The three of us spent 2 days together working on a national project related to our summer projects. Every year we send thousands of staff and students all over the world to share the love of Christ with others. These summer projects are our most effective ministry strategy that also results in millions of dollars of financial activity.

This summer we are working on developing online financial training modules and an effective training conference to help our staff manage this financial activity with ease.

I had fun exploring the city of Minneapolis with two friends.

Irvine, CA in May

In May I took a trip to Irvine, CA, back to the Pacific Southwest office that I worked in for 3 years. The PSW asked staff member Jeff Clay to take the role of Finance Professional (my previous job). Jeff and I worked together on a few different projects over the past 2 years and I was so excited when he accepted the role.

I was asked to go out and spend a few days with Jeff to help him get up to speed. I was the prime candidate for the task since I previously did the job and because training new Finance Professionals is part of my new role.

Jeff and I spent 2 days going over a lot of numbers, spreadsheets and details. We also spent time talking through priorities, policies, and guidelines.

The amazing man in my life

When I decided to move to Florida I knew that God had special plans for me here, but I had no idea that those plans included an incredible boyfriend named John Dodson!

On May 3rd, John and I will celebrate 6 months of dating. It’s my great pleasure to introduce you to him. John was born and raised right here in Orlando. He’s the oldest of 8 kids (4 boys & 4 girls). His family is so much fun and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them as well.

John’s dream is to work in the medical field as a Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory Therapists basically help people with breathing disorders (such as asthma) breathe better. He would love to eventually work in pediatrics because he loves children and desires to help give them the best quality of life possible.

While he continues to work towards his Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care, he also works almost full-time at Starbucks. He loves the social and fun atmosphere of his store and has become good friends with some of his co-workers.

John and I met while volunteering with the high school ministry at our church. We casually talked a few times before John asked me out on our first date. We met for dinner and had such a great conversation that we lost track of time! The thing that amazed us both was how easy it was to talk to one another. We love spending time together and just talking and laughing.

My favorite date was when John took me to the ICE exhibit for my birthday. This special ice sculpture event was held in town during the holidays. We both froze in the 9 degree tent but we had a blast! After ICE, John took me to dinner and then we ended the evening hanging out with some friends.

I’ve been so blessed by John. I know that God is using our relationship to show us more about Himself and also to grow and mature both of us.

John is a thoughtful, patient, compassionate man who loves God and people. I’m so glad that God brought him into my life!